ChatGPT expands reach as new features drive engagement

AI competition intensifies as ChatGPT retains its top spot, while DeepSeek and other challengers attempt to gain market share.

OpenAI, ChatGPT, surge, DeepSeek

OpenAI’s ChatGPT has experienced a surge in growth, reaching 400 million weekly active users by February 2025, according to a report from venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz.

The AI chatbot, which took nine months to grow from 100 million to 200 million users in 2024, has now doubled its numbers in under six months. New AI model releases and enhanced functionality, such as GPT-4o’s multimodal capabilities and Advanced Voice Mode, have contributed to this accelerated adoption.

Mobile usage has played a crucial role in sustaining ChatGPT’s momentum, with mobile users growing consistently between 5% and 15% each month over the past year.

Of the 400 million weekly active users, 175 million now access ChatGPT via mobile devices. Despite growing competition, OpenAI’s chatbot remains the leading AI app in terms of unique monthly visits on the web and active users on mobile, according to market intelligence provider Similarweb.

Rival AI app DeepSeek has emerged as a strong competitor, quickly capturing 15% of ChatGPT’s mobile user base and ranking No. 2 globally within 10 days of launch. However, while DeepSeek has seen higher engagement than other competitors like Perplexity and Claude, it still lags behind ChatGPT overall.

The report also highlights AI developer tools, revenue trends, and the top generative AI apps across mobile and web.

For more information on these topics, visit diplomacy.edu.